Roulette Orphelins Bet Calculator: Betting the Orphan Numbers

Orphelins covers the 8 numbers not included in Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre. Our calculator shows the split-heavy betting structure, explains why 17 is covered twice, and calculates payouts for this traditional French roulette wager.

What Is an Orphelins Bet?

Orphelins (French for "orphans") covers 8 numbers that fall between the Voisins and Tiers sections of the European wheel. These "leftover" numbers form two small segments, bet using 5 chips in a specific split pattern with number 17 covered twice.

Quick Answer: Orphelins covers: 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34 (8 numbers). Bet structure: 1 straight-up on 1, plus 4 splits (6-9, 14-17, 17-20, 31-34). Total: 5 chips. Note: 17 is covered by two splits. Coverage: 8/37 = 21.62%. Payouts vary by number hit. House edge: 2.70%.

How to Use Our Calculator

Use the Orphelins Calculator →

Calculate orphelins coverage, payouts, and expected value.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Bet Type: Orphelins cheval (splits) or plein (straight-ups)

2. Enter Chip Value: Per chip amount

3. View Coverage: Which numbers are covered

4. Calculate Payouts: By number hit

5. See Expected Value: For complete bet

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Bet Type	Cheval or plein	Cheval (standard)
Chip Value	Per chip	$5
Total Bet	All chips	$25 (5 chips)
Numbers Covered	8 orphans	1,6,9,14,17,20,31,34
Coverage	Probability	21.62%
House Edge	Standard	2.70%

The Orphelins Numbers

Wheel Position

European wheel locations:

Orphelins form two segments:
Segment 1: 1, 20, 14, 31, 9
Segment 2: 17, 34, 6

These are the "gaps" between:
- Voisins du Zéro (17 numbers around 0)
- Tiers du Cylindre (12 numbers opposite)

8 numbers left out = orphans

Visual Layout

Wheel sections (simplified):

      VOISINS (17 numbers)
         22-25 area

ORPHELINS ←--→ ORPHELINS
(1,20,14,31,9)  (17,34,6)

      TIERS (12 numbers)
         27-33 area

Orphans are the remnants

Number List

All 8 orphelins:
1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34

On betting layout:
1: First column, first row
6: Third column, second row
9: Third column, third row
14: Second column, fifth row
17: Second column, sixth row
20: Second column, seventh row
31: First column, eleventh row
34: First column, twelfth row

Orphelins Bet Structures

Orphelins à Cheval (Standard)

5-chip bet using splits:

Chip 1: Straight-up on 1
Chip 2: Split 6-9
Chip 3: Split 14-17
Chip 4: Split 17-20
Chip 5: Split 31-34

Note: Number 17 is covered twice!
This is intentional

Chip Placement Diagram

Layout coverage:

   [1] ← Straight-up
    |
   [6]
    |--Split
   [9]

  [14]
    |--Split
  [17] ← Covered twice!
    |--Split
  [20]

  [31]
    |--Split
  [34]

Orphelins en Plein (8 Straight-ups)

Alternative: 8-chip bet

$1 on each: 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34

All numbers covered equally
No double coverage on 17
Higher variance version

Payout Structure

Orphelins à Cheval Payouts

If number 1 hits:
Straight-up wins: 35:1
Payout: $175 on $5 chip
Profit: $175 - $20 (other chips) = $155

If 6 or 9 hits:
Split wins: 17:1
Payout: $85 on $5 chip
Profit: $85 - $20 = $65

If 14 or 20 hits:
Split wins: 17:1
Payout: $85 on $5 chip
Profit: $85 - $20 = $65

If 17 hits (double coverage!):
Two splits win: 2 × 17:1
Payout: $170 on $10 chips
Profit: $170 - $15 = $155

If 31 or 34 hits:
Split wins: 17:1
Payout: $85 on $5 chip
Profit: $85 - $20 = $65

Payout Summary Table

Number | Bet Type | Payout | Net Profit
-------|----------|--------|----------
1      | Straight | 35:1   | $155
6      | Split    | 17:1   | $65
9      | Split    | 17:1   | $65
14     | Split    | 17:1   | $65
17     | 2 Splits | 34:1   | $155
20     | Split    | 17:1   | $65
31     | Split    | 17:1   | $65
34     | Split    | 17:1   | $65

17 pays same as 1 (double bet)

Probability Analysis

Win Probability

8 numbers covered
37 total pockets (European)

Win probability: 8/37 = 21.62%
Lose probability: 29/37 = 78.38%

Higher coverage than Tiers (32.43%)
But lower than Voisins (45.95%)

Expected Value Calculation

$5 chip × 5 chips = $25 total

Outcomes:
P(1 hits) = 1/37 → Win $155
P(6 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65
P(9 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65
P(14 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65
P(17 hits) = 1/37 → Win $155
P(20 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65
P(31 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65
P(34 hits) = 1/37 → Win $65

EV = Σ(probability × outcome) - (29/37 × $25)
EV = ($155 + $65×6 + $155)/37 - $19.59
EV = $700/37 - $19.59
EV = $18.92 - $19.59 = -$0.67

-$0.67 / $25 = -2.70% (standard edge)

Comparison to Other Section Bets

Three Traditional Bets

Bet             | Numbers | Chips | Coverage
----------------|---------|-------|----------
Voisins du Zéro | 17      | 9     | 45.95%
Tiers du Cylindre | 12    | 6     | 32.43%
Orphelins       | 8       | 5     | 21.62%
----------------|---------|-------|----------
Total           | 37      | 20    | 100%

Together they cover entire wheel

Combining All Three

Full wheel coverage:

Voisins: 9 chips
Tiers: 6 chips
Orphelins: 5 chips
Total: 20 chips

Every number covered at least once
17 covered three times (Orphelins special)
Guaranteed hit, variable payout

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Standard Orphelins Hit

$10 chips, number 9 hits:

Bet: 5 × $10 = $50

6-9 split wins: 17:1
Payout: $170

Net profit: $170 - $40 = $130

(Subtract $40 for 4 losing chips)

Example 2: Lucky 17

$5 chips, number 17 hits:

Bet: 5 × $5 = $25

14-17 split wins: 17:1 = $85
17-20 split wins: 17:1 = $85
Total payout: $170

Net profit: $170 - $15 = $155

Same profit as hitting 1
Double coverage pays off

Example 3: Session Simulation

50 spins on orphelins at $5 chips:

Expected hits: 50 × 21.62% = 10.8 (call it 11)
Expected misses: 39

Approximate distribution of 11 hits:
1 hit on 1: +$155
1 hit on 17: +$155
9 hits on others: 9 × $65 = +$585

Total wins: $895
Total losses: 39 × $25 = $975

Net: -$80 (close to expected -$67.50)

Example 4: Orphelins vs Straight-Ups

Same $25 budget, two approaches:

Orphelins à Cheval ($25):
8 numbers covered
Variable payouts ($65-$155)
Standard structure

5 Straight-ups ($5 each on 1,6,9,14,17):
5 numbers covered
Uniform $150 profit if hit
Miss 3 orphelins numbers

Orphelins covers more numbers
Straight-ups offer bigger swings
Same 2.70% edge either way

Strategy Considerations

When to Bet Orphelins

Orphelins suits players who:
- Want section coverage
- Like split-heavy bets
- Enjoy traditional French bets
- Want moderate volatility

Not for players seeking:
- High single-number payouts
- Simple betting structure
- Maximum coverage (use Voisins)

Combining with Other Bets

Popular combinations:

Orphelins + neighbor on 17:
Heavy coverage on 17 area
17 hit = massive payout

Orphelins + Voisins:
25 numbers covered (5 overlap)
Nearly 70% coverage

Full wheel (all three):
100% coverage
Break even or small profit/loss

Bankroll Considerations

5 chips per spin adds up:
$5 chips: $25/spin
$10 chips: $50/spin
$25 chips: $125/spin

Plan for losing streaks:
78% miss rate
5 consecutive misses = $125 at $5 level

Ensure adequate bankroll

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting 17 Double Coverage

Mistake: Expect only $85 on 17 Problem: Miss extra payout Fix: 17 pays $170 total (two splits)

2. Treating as 5 Separate Bets

Mistake: Calculate each split independently Problem: Miss combined coverage Fix: It's one coordinated bet

3. Expecting Equal Payouts

Mistake: Same profit any hit Problem: 1 and 17 pay more Fix: Know the payout structure

4. Using on American Wheel

Mistake: Apply European sections Problem: Wheel order differs Fix: European wheel only

Frequently Asked Questions

What does orphelins mean?

"Orphelins" is French for "orphans." These 8 numbers are "orphaned" because they don't fit in the Voisins or Tiers sections.

Why is 17 covered twice?

The traditional split arrangement (6-9, 14-17, 17-20, 31-34) naturally covers 17 with two overlapping splits. It's not a mistake—it's the design.

Can I bet orphelins at any casino?

European and French roulette tables typically offer orphelins. American tables rarely have this option. Look for a racetrack betting area.

Is orphelins a good bet?

Same 2.70% edge as all European roulette bets. It's neither better nor worse mathematically—just a different way to cover specific numbers.

What's the difference between à cheval and en plein?

À cheval uses 5 chips with splits (standard). En plein uses 8 chips, one straight-up on each number.

Can I customize orphelins coverage?

Yes, but it wouldn't be traditional orphelins. You can always make individual bets on any numbers you prefer.

Pro Tips

• Know the payouts: 1 and 17 pay $155, others pay $65

• European only: Wheel sections are wheel-specific

• Use racetrack: Easier to place section bets

• 17 is special: Double-covered by design

• Same edge: 2.70% like all European bets

Related Calculators

• Roulette Voisins Calculator - Neighbors of zero
• Roulette Tiers Calculator - Thirds of wheel
• Roulette Neighbor Bet Calculator - Custom neighbors
• Roulette Split Bet Calculator - Two-number bets
• Roulette Odds Calculator - All bet types

Conclusion

Orphelins covers the 8 numbers left out of Voisins and Tiers—the "orphan" numbers. Our calculator shows the split-heavy betting structure, explains why 17 pays double, and calculates exact payouts for this traditional French roulette wager.

Calculate Orphelins Payouts Now →

Those 8 orphan numbers might seem like leftovers, but the structured betting pattern—with 17 covered twice—creates a balanced section bet. Our calculator reveals the $155 vs $65 payout split and shows how orphelins completes the traditional French wheel coverage.